Do you have an ereader?

[uforgot]

I just got the nook. I looked at both the nook and Kindle, and I liked that I could expand the memory with the nook and also change the battery myself. That was the deciding factor for me. Not as important, I also like having a brick and mortar store in case I have problems (even though I have to travel a bit). Took me about a day to get used to it, but now I love it. You can go to Barnes and Noble and try it out, or you can go to Best Buy and try the nook or the Sony ereader. Fastdogs has the Kindle and she really likes it.
I take mine with me everywhere I go. I read reviews on all of the ereaders on Amazon and cnet. Cnet is a great resource. Honestly, I think you will be happy either way. Another thing, if I had it to do over again, I would also consider the Sony ereader more seriously. I find that there really isn't a limit on the ebooks out there. I found sourcebooks which has tons of content. This site works for nook, sony and others as well. Not sure about Kindle though.

Oh, and before anyone goes on and on about using the library, please consider that some of us live in rural areas. I exhausted my local library with it's four shelves years ago. I am currently working my way through the Jefferson City library, but traveling 45 miles to return books gets annoying.

[OakLeaf]

I have the Sony Touch - got it as a gift. I like it well enough, but apparently it's the only one with no wireless access. That's not a huge deal to me, just something to be aware of. I'd almost say that it's better off without, since you don't have the distraction you do on a fully functional computer, of always wanting to check email, TE, Facebook, the weather, etc., etc....

It's not backlit, which supposedly enhances readability in potentially glare-y environments, but it means you have to have external lighting whenever you'd have to have it to read paper. I will say that when there's adequate light, it's very readable - much more so than a computer screen.

It's really nice being able to scrawl notes in the margins, highlight pull quotes, and get back to them whenever you want.

Formatting can be an issue with books you don't buy through the Sony store, but I'm reading that the manufacturers and publishers are working on an industry standard format. If and when that happens, it should just be a flash update for all of the readers. It really doesn't make them less readable, just chapter headings, etc., can look weird.

Public domain Google books work fine on the Sony, according to my dad who reads a LOT of them that way. I haven't tried that yet. But there are a lot of books in that archive, and they're adding more all the time.

[uforgot]

I have the Sony Touch - got it as a gift. I like it well enough, but apparently it's the only one with no wireless access. That's not a huge deal to me, just something to be aware of. I'd almost say that it's better off without, since you don't have the distraction you do on a fully functional computer, of always wanting to check email, TE, Facebook, the weather, etc., etc....

It's not backlit, which supposedly enhances readability in potentially glare-y environments, but it means you have to have external lighting whenever you'd have to have it to read paper. I will say that when there's adequate light, it's very readable - much more so than a computer screen.

It's really nice being able to scrawl notes in the margins, highlight pull quotes, and get back to them whenever you want.

Formatting can be an issue with books you don't buy through the Sony store, but I'm reading that the manufacturers and publishers are working on an industry standard format. If and when that happens, it should just be a flash update for all of the readers. It really doesn't make them less readable, just chapter headings, etc., can look weird.

Public domain Google books work fine on the Sony, according to my dad who reads a LOT of them that way. I haven't tried that yet. But there are a lot of books in that archive, and they're adding more all the time.

Hey, I forgot about the backlit part. The nook and Kindle aren't backlit either. Reading a backlit screen is hard on the eyes, but these ereaders have to be used in light. Very easy on the eyes. The screens are antiglare too.

I also think the wireless part isn't really a necessity. You can always get books on your computer and transfer them to your ereader. As for surfing, well, it isn't really great . You CAN check your email and stuff, but it isn't a great experience and I only do it when I'm out and about. You couldn't really surf the web on it. I don't think the wireless part should influence anyone unless they plan on being stranded at an airport and need an emergency book! If you are like me, though, you will have 5 or 6 backed up to read anyway.

[Crankin]

Never....

[ridenread]

I have a Kindle and love it. It is not backlit thus very easy on the eyes. I got it as a Christmas present and have read 30 novels since. My husband and I both plow through books and have 6 very large bookshelves crammed with books. The Kindle is saving space, It has already paid for itself with the amount of books I typically purchase in a year.
I like that you can download the first 5% of the book as a sample to decide if you want to purchase the book. And I love that I can purchase a book anytime day or night and I have it within 60 seconds.

As uforgot mentioned , the library is not always an option for those of us in more rural areas.

[TrekTheKaty]

I have a Kindle and love it. It is not backlit thus very easy on the eyes. I got it as a Christmas present and have read 30 novels since. My husband and I both plow through books and have 6 very large bookshelves crammed with books. The Kindle is saving space, It has already paid for itself with the amount of books I typically purchase in a year.
I like that you can download the first 5% of the book as a sample to decide if you want to purchase the book. And I love that I can purchase a book anytime day or night and I have it within 60 seconds.

As uforgot mentioned , the library is not always an option for those of us in more rural areas.

What she said. I love my Kindle. To support my local library, we donated a lot of our books and joined as members. I understand not everyone can afford it--but my kindle has paid for itself.

[shootingstar]

No e-reader yet.

At this time in life, I would consider an e-reader for myself, a luxury, not necessary. I have my computer, Internet connection etc. which is more important. I have to have this attitude 'cause am living on a tight budget.

He has just bought a Mac laptop more for his own use/biz (which replaced a old dysfunctional laptop), but I could have access if critical. (But not no need right now.)

I am noticing for myself when doing stuff in front of computer for many hrs., i'm getting a bit dry-eyed. So I can't see how an e-reader would help here.

Being a librarian, demands (in last 20 years) competency on multiple software platforms for managing information with relational database and other content mangement software, plus keeping on top of different licensed research database platforms (and software feature changes) for research and for teaching adults. Most of my jobs required teaching adults on how to use certain software that involve problem-solving and critical analysis skills. It has been really interesting to see how adults think online and express their information problem-solving skills. I like using information technology to dig through a pile of data, reduce personal paper storage, to communicate with people one could never dream of 30 yrs. ago and share info. seamlessly.

So my reasons for not buying an e-reader is not, because I dislike technology. But now reading a real book for me is even more enjoyable...for ergonomic reasons and also flexibility to take a book anywhere, browse quickly in a non-linear, yet exploratory way and scribble in it in a free-flowing, contemplative manner.

As for my reading habits, pretty slack and spotty these days. I haven't read a novel in several..years. Instead I read more non-fiction.

[Catrin]

I have the Sony Touch - got it as a gift. I like it well enough, but apparently it's the only one with no wireless access. That's not a huge deal to me, just something to be aware of. I'd almost say that it's better off without, since you don't have the distraction you do on a fully functional computer, of always wanting to check email, TE, Facebook, the weather, etc., etc....

The newest Sony e-reader (the Daily edition - they have two models) does have wireless capabilities for downloading books/newspapers. The only caveat on downloading via wireless is that it is limited to the Sony E-store and Google Books - all other content must be downloaded via your computer. It does not have other wireless capabilities such as email/so forth, but that is not why one purchases an e-reader. I do like the ability to take notes/so forth with the Sony.

I LIKE Sony. I sold my last one, they had a model that got discontinued pretty quickly - it was the very first touch-screen version of their Digital Books. I am considering purchasing a new one to take on vacation with me - but am choking a little on the price. Especially with probably changes to my LHT in the very near future.

As far as the B&N Nook is concerned, I have yet to see one in person but I have a couple of questions. I like that it "does" color, it is the only reader out there that does. Do you find that strip at the bottom of the screen irritating/distracting? I understand that gives immediate access to your library/keyboard for searching? That is the one thing in the photos of it that I have seen which has me wondering.

Also - how is the screen of the Nook - is it reflective at all? That does decrease contrast - and what do you think of the contrast? I do like that it is less expensive than the Sony Digital Edition but right now with Sony's sale it is only $50 more expensive, and it does come with a cover and protective pouch...

I think that on my errands today I am going to have to stop by a B&N and look at one, but am leaning to staying with Sony.

[lauraelmore1033]

Kindle. LOVE it.

[uforgot]

Catrin - I read somewhere that the nook screen and the Kindle screen are manufactured by the same company. It is not reflective at all and compared to one of my student's Kindle, it looks the same. As for the color strip, I thought it would be annoying, but it goes off after about a minute, so it is just black. I don't even notice it. If you can get to a Barnes & Noble or Best Buy, it would really help you to actually see it or the Sony in action. The nook doesn't come with a cover. I think it should.

Also, you have 14 days to return your nook, and 30 to return your Kindle. They advertise this so you can try one and see if you like it. I didn't really think I would like reading a lot on these but I wanted to try one since I don't know anyone who DOESN'T like theirs. I was hooked within hours. I've seen all three:I have a student with a Kindle, I have a nook and I saw the Sony at best buy. I think I would have liked any of the three.

[Biciclista]

i guess when my generation dies out, the libraries will too. The bookstores are already dying. When I can't get a book at the library, I like to buy used books from Amazon (see, it's partially my fault) Next, when I'm finished with the book, if i can't resell it, I share it with friends and family. If no one wants it, I donate it to the library..

[OakLeaf]

Libraries are dying because their funding is drying up, not because the media are changing. Libraries evolved pretty quickly to rent/lend VCR tapes, then CDs and DVDs. If they're not already renting or lending books on copy-protected chip, they will be soon - the libraries that survive the next round of funding cuts, that is.

[Miranda]

I just got the nook. I looked at both the nook and Kindle, and I liked that I could expand the memory with the nook and also change the battery myself. That was the deciding factor for me. Not as important, I also like having a brick and mortar store in case I have problems (even though I have to travel a bit). Took me about a day to get used to it, but now I love it. You can go to Barnes and Noble and try it out, or you can go to Best Buy and try the nook or the Sony ereader. Fastdogs has the Kindle and she really likes it.
I take mine with me everywhere I go. I read reviews on all of the ereaders on Amazon and cnet. Cnet is a great resource. Honestly, I think you will be happy either way. Another thing, if I had it to do over again, I would also consider the Sony ereader more seriously. I find that there really isn't a limit on the ebooks out there. I found sourcebooks which has tons of content. This site works for nook, sony and others as well. Not sure about Kindle though.

Oh, and before anyone goes on and on about using the library, please consider that some of us live in rural areas. I exhausted my local library with it's four shelves years ago. I am currently working my way through the Jefferson City library, but traveling 45 miles to return books gets annoying.

Awe, bummer...
I don't know about all libraries, but ours has inter-library loan. I can go my closest branch and they can get a book they don't have from any library in the country sent to my local branch. I get the book there, and return the book there. Also, having an account on-line with the local library, I do my searches, holds, re-newals, etc all right from the comfort of my pc at home.

OP...
I don't own an e-reader. But, I am trying to figure out what kind of adaptive reading device my mother could use. Mom unfortunately has degenerative macular eye disease and lost most of her vision. She was such an avid reader and misses it.

I used to love Borders Bookstore. However, our local store just went out of biz. So glad I don't own their version of an ereader. We have B & N. It's just bit too big for me. Doesn't feel cozy to browse. Something I used to love to do at Borders. I kinda like touching the book lol... I'd hafta figure out how to get used to an ereader... tho many peeps love them.

[Irulan]

Awe, bummer...
I don't know about all libraries, but ours has inter-library loan. I can go my closest branch and they can get a book they don't have from any library in the country sent to my local branch. I get the book there, and return the book there. Also, having an account on-line with the local library, I do my searches, holds, re-newals, etc all right from the comfort of my pc at home.

OP...
I don't own an e-reader. But, I am trying to figure out what kind of adaptive reading device my mother could use. Mom unfortunately has degenerative macular eye disease and lost most of her vision. She was such an avid reader and misses it.

I used to love Borders Bookstore. However, our local store just went out of biz. So glad I don't own their version of an ereader. We have B & N. It's just bit too big for me. Doesn't feel cozy to browse. Something I used to love to do at Borders. I kinda like touching the book lol... I'd hafta figure out how to get used to an ereader... tho many peeps love them.

Services for the blind has a free service, a player that plays a proprietary format audio tape, in a player suitable for someone with vision degeneration. My sister in law gets audio books this way. I wish I could think of the name of the organization but I am drawing a blank. It's free, also. She has used it living in several different communities.

[Grits]

I have had no interest in an e-reader because I read so many books, and I get them for free from the library. I can't afford to start paying for books, even if it is a little less than buying a hard copy or even paperback version of it. I understand, though, that that is changing and my library now is loaning e-books (for Nook).

I am in two book discussion groups, and I checked last night to see how many of the selected books for this year can be borrowed in e-book format from the library. Out of 10 books that I checked so far, 2 were available. When that ratio improves a little, I will be getting either a Nook or Kindle (if it will read E-Pub format by then) primarily for the note taking feature. I lead both discussion groups, and sometimes we discuss the book months after I have read it, so I need to take notes. Being able to highlight, copy, and annotate the book on the screen I am reading and copy that to refer to later would be so useful. I think I will seriously consider it when even half of the books are available because there are also many books that I would borrow that aren't on my discussion group list.

I anticipate that my Christmas wish list will be for either a Nook or Kindle.